County: Seminole
ZIP Codes: 32746, 32795
Lake Mary, Florida, situated in central Florida about 25 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, is at a relatively lower risk for direct impacts from hurricanes compared to coastal towns. However, this doesn't imply that it's entirely safe. Hurricanes traveling overland can still bring significant impacts, including heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and high winds. Local water bodies, slightly lower elevations, and rather flat terrain intensify the risk of flooding during heavy rain events. Given Lake Mary's location in Seminole County and proximity to multiple bodies of water, this is an important consideration. Despite being inland, the Lake Mary area has still experienced effects from major hurricanes in the past 30 years. In 2004, the city was substantially influenced by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. Hurricane Charley, in particular, inflicted significant damage with its strong winds and heavy rains. In 2017, Hurricane Irma also passed over this region, bringing with it heavy rains and winds, leading to widespread power outages and water damage. Analyzing these historical events, it's always vital for Lake Mary to have robust preparedness and adaptation measures. These include improving drainage systems, fortifying infrastructure, and ensuring emergency response plans are in place to mitigate potential hurricane impacts.